- Disconnect all outside hoses and drain them.
- Shut off the lines to all outside faucets inside the house, if possible. Wrap the faucets in old towels, then plastic.
- Close crawl space vents that let cold air under the house. Most vents are made with easily operated flaps.
- Wrap pipes in unheated crawl spaces, attics and garages with foam insulators.
Thermostatically controlled electric "heat tapes" can be used in some cases but require extra care.
- If you have a basement, keep it heated during the cold snap.
- Open cupboard door if you have kitchen pipes along an exterior wall.
- If your pipes freeze, don't use anything with an open flame to thaw them. Use a hair dryer.

The Oregonian's garden writer Kym Pokorny has tips on her blog . Here are her headlines.

- Determine your USDA hardiness zone. Portland is Zone 8, which means plants rated Zone 8 and below will survive temperates down to 20 degrees and often lower if those temperatures come back up above 20 during the day.
- When you're buying a plant, check the label or ask an employee what the zone is. If it is 9, be prepared to protect it. If it's 10, bring it in (house or sunporch or greenhouse) or forget it.
- If it is going to be below 20, run out and cover tender plants with an old sheet or blanket, even a sheet of plastic. Weigh it down with rocks or whatever you have on hand. If temperatures are supposed to stay below 20 the next day, leave protection in place. If not, take it off.
- Mulching can help lots of plant, especially hardy fuchsias and roses. However, it's kinda late for that.

- Bring pets indoors when temperature reaches 30 degrees. Pets can get frostbite on ears, noses and feet.
- Chemicals used to melt snow on sidewalks can irritate pets' paws.Wipe their paws when they come in.
- An outdoor dog needs a dry, elevated house with clean, dry bedding and a flap over the opening.
- Consider adding a dog door to the garage with a soft cushion in the warmest corner.
- Make sure water bowls are not frozen.
- Use plastic food and water bowls. Your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
- Give outdoor pets more food all winter.
- Before you start your car, open the hood or slap or pound it to startle pets underneath.